Sierra's surgery day

Today my baby girl had surgery. They took out her spleen and appendix. I was so proud of her because she was scared but handled it very well.
This picture is of her before surgery. Here is daddy waiting to see his daughter. He and I were both so sad when they took her. We both shed some tears. Today was a special day. Not only was it the first day of Sierra's new life but it was the first time that all of these kids were in the same room together. AWESOME!!
My two babies are super close and I can't imagine them not ever being together. I love them so much!! They love their cousins so I know this meant a lot to them.
These three just re-united after 10 years!
Alyssa (on the left) is Robbie and Ashleigh's sister.
They have the same dad and because of a couple of silly people...Ashleigh and Robbie haven't had a relationship with their sister. It's great that all that has changed!
It was so wonderful to see them together. It took everything out of me to not cry.

It makes me so happy that so many family members came to visit Sierra. Even though she was out of it most of the time, I know she felt good to have everyone there.
I would like to thank everyone for praying for my little baby girl. I know the prayers made the surgery go by smoothly.
Hugs,
Suzy

Life brings changes...

Life brings change...

Sometimes they are little and no big deal and some are huge and can change your entire life. Like many of you, I have been dealing with a lot of change in my life.

Our family keeps pretty busy...especially me. I've been working on a lot of projects that have to do with my professional life that have made a difference in our family life.
This last week, I said NO to some more really big projects.
I made an easy decision to put other more important things FIRST. The main one is right here.

SIERRA

As you know, my little one is having surgery this week. I've kept busy doing a lot with her as she will not be able to do a lot after her surgery. She'll be in the hospital for possibly a week and then stuck at home for a week. She'll start 5th grade right after so I need to make sure she's totally recovered. I appreciate all the wonderful emails and phone calls about your concerns for her. Many of you have asked what hospital she'll be at. She'll be at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View. Her surgery is on August 18th.
Another big change...
My heart has been heavy the last few weeks over other family members. As you know, I'm very close to my family. I love my family with my entire being and I would pretty much do anything to make sure they are safe and happy. Recently I learned about some very disturbing news that had to do with my niece and nephew and since then, it's been very hard for me to sleep, eat, or think. I've had several conversations with my family expressing how upset I am and how I expect changes to be made...NOW!

As of last night, our family made the decision to bring him to stay with us. I'm so happy to welcome him into our home. It is a temporary situation but while he's here...he's MINE. I want nothing but to love him, feed him, and take care of him. He's been through so much and I just want to see him smiling over happy good things. Jeremy is up right now cleaning out his room because they will be staying together. I'm so proud of my son. Last week we talked about getting him a brand new bedroom set that was more "grown up" as he's entering his senior year of high school. As of last night...we made a decision to go the opposite direction and get bunk beds so that they have space in the room. My heart jumped as I looked at him and with a smile on his face he said, "that sounds good to me." I went into his room and noticed all of his clothes everywhere and all the drawers were open. I asked him what he was doing...he said he was condensing all of his clothes because he was going to share the room equally with him and so half the drawers and closet are for Robby. Love my kid.
Okay so I've talked about a lot of big changes...I want to tell you about a little change. A few days ago..it was a big change for ME...so not! LOL I'm re-doing my scrap area. I started it last week and then had to drop everything. Seriously...everything is everywhere right now. This is all I have done since we started. A lot of you know that I'm working on my scrap area and want to see pictures...this is all I have. Once It's complete I will show you more. I picked up baskets, jars, and more stuff but I haven't gotten to it yet. I need to finish picking up stuff and getting the other items taken to donation.

This week will bring many changes as we get used to having another teenage boy here and taking care of Sierra as she goes into surgery and then starts the recovery process...to a change that is supposed to make her life better.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers...we definately need them. Hugs, Suzy West

In just 6 days...

I can't believe these words are coming out of my mouth....in just 6 days, Sierra will be having the surgery that we've talked about since she was born!

It's what we have always been scared of...but KNEW it would be good for her when she finally had it.

In 6 days, her daddy and I will drive her to El Camino Hospital in Mountain View so she can have her spleen and appendix removed.

The thought of them taking her away from me and I'm sure from my arms so she can go into surgery makes me cry.

I want so much for her. I want her to feel better. I want to not look at her and see yellow from her being jaundice. I want her not to tell me she feels tired due to her losing so many blood cells in such a short time.

I'm so grateful to have a family who is so supportive and has such an amazing love for her. My younger brother canceled his trip to Costa Rica to be there. My uncle is taking the day off of work so he and my aunt can be there. Our kids and my parents will be there.

We'll all be there praying for my little girl.

Today, I'm going in to do a blood donation. We want to be prepared in case she needs some.

My whole family asked if they could donate. love them!

If you belive in the power of prayer...please keep Sierra in your prayers.

Thanks for being here for me,
Suzy West

The night before....

...the surgery.

Today, Thursday I took Sierra to her pre-op appointment with her wonderful surgeon. We talked about what was going to happen. How many little cuts he'd have to make, what he was going to take out, how she was going to be sleeping when all this happened, and how her life would be better after this surgery. We talked about everything that is going to happen tomorrow. Tonight I am going to tuck her in bed, say a little prayer with her, and tell her how much I love her and how I'm blessed to have her as my daughter.

By the time YOU all see this post...I will be at the hospital with her. We will be sitting with her making sure she feels safe and that she knows we will all be there when she wakes up.

This is the wonderful surgeon that is going to make her life better. He is heaven sent. We are so lucky to have an amazing surgeon that is so gentle and honest with her. He tells her stories and reassures her that he knows what he is doing and that she will be okay.

I feel so blessed to know that so many of you are praying for her.
Today her life will change for the better.
Hugs,
Suzy

I can't believe I'm saying it...It's official...

We have set the date for Sierra's surgery!!

It's scary to think my little baby girl will be having surgery but truth be told..it's much needed.
Her little 56lb body has been through a lot!
I still remember being in the hospital two weeks after she was born because she couldn't come home. They couldn't figure out why she was so jaundice and why her levels wouldn't change. They called in a hematologist and she asked me if anyone in our family had a blood disorder. At first I couldn't think of anyone...because I was only thinking of my side...DUH...it takes two people to make her and my husband had Hereditary Sphero Cytosis. The "A-HA" statement from the dr. said it all...my baby had the same condition.
So through out the years, Sierra has had to deal with losing blood cells, feeling tired, and turning yellow.
This is going to help her. She is still going to have some issues to deal with but it's going to be better.
So today...we found out that she's also going to have her gall bladder taken out. Because of her condition it's a given that she's going to have gall stones UNLESS they take it out.
We set a date for June 14th but found out that it was her last day of school, so we changed it for Friday, June 17th. She's set for 10:30am.
I believe in the power of prayer and have a ton of faith. We would appreciate your prayers as well!!!
Thanks for listening and thinking of my little Sierra.
Hugs
Suzy West